Top 10 Pussers Rum Substitutes

Pusser’s Rum is not only a widely popular brand but is also well-known for being the main ingredient in the famous Painkiller beverage that originated in the British Virgin Islands. Pusser’s Rum is now one of the more commonly used brands of rum and makes for a delicious summer-time beverage enjoyed whether you are on the beach or not. 

While the story of  Pusser’s Rum is sometimes solely based on the creation of the Painkiller, there is so much more to this world famous, uniquely made rum. Pusser’s Rum has a distinct, bold flavor that makes any beverage even better. Between the recipes and even close substitutions, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a delicious beverage and discover all that Pusser’s Rum has to offer.

In modern times, rum is likely to be associated as a beach drink or even something that pirates would drink. Hence the use of pirates on the logo of some other named brand rums. But, dating back to the start of Pusser’s Rum, the sea and sailors are said to be an integral part of the brand’s history.

What is Pusser’s Rum?

Pusser’s Rum was a key part of the British Royal Navy, which gives it the “navy Rum” moniker that is still used today. The sailors would essentially ration the rum they had on board everyday.

The sailors felt that the stressful work and experiences that they had everyday were subsided by their daily allotment of Pusser’s Rum. However, in 1970 the Royal Navy made the decision to prohibit the consumption of Pusser’s Rum aboard the ships. 

Why is that history important? Because it’s the Royal Navy’s blending process of Pusser’s Rum that allows it to be that delicious liquor it continues to be today. Pusser’s Rum is still a completely all natural rum that is aged for three years and made from natural ingredients found in Guyana.

The process of distilling and aging the rum is done in a wooden barrel, as the sailors did hundreds of years ago. Pusser’s Rum is made from real sugar cane and molasses as well as dried fruit, natural spices and caramel. Leaving the drinker with a smooth, yet slightly spicy kick at the end of the sip.

Pussers Rum used in recipes

Pusser’s Rum is most known for its use in a Painkiller; there are other great recipes that can be made as well. Check out some of these great recipes the next time you purchase a bottle of Pusser’s Rum.

Painkiller

Although the Painkiller is the most famous Pusser’s Rum drink, it is actually one of the easiest cocktails to make at home. The Painkiller, which came to fame at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands, starts with pouring two ounces of Pusser’s Rum in a shaker.

Then four ounces of pineapple juice, one ounce of orange juice and one ounce of cream of coconut. Pour into a full, large glass of ice. Top the painkiller with ground nutmeg and then garnish with a cherry and a slice of orange.

Hurricane

Another tropical cocktail to choose from if you are looking for something a little less strong than a painkiller, the Hurricane may be the drink to try. Pour three ounces of Pusser’s Rum into a hurricane glass full of ice. Then pour two ounces of pineapple juice, one ounces of orange juice and one ounce of lime juice

Cinnamon Rum Iced Coffee

This take on a delicious sweet coffee beverage is perfect for rum lovers. For a Cinnamon Rum Iced Coffee,  fill a glass with ice, pour four ounces of your favorite brewed coffee.

Then pour one and a half ounces of Pusser’s Rum, half an ounce of cinnamon syrup and one ounce of your favorite Irish cream liqueur. Use a long spoon and give a quick stir to blend all of the ingredients.

British Naval Grog Rum Cocktail

As a tribute to the British Navy and their love of rum aboard the ship, the British Naval Grog Rum Cocktail is actually reminiscent of how the sailors enjoyed their rum everyday. Fill a glass with ice a little more than halfway.

Pour half an ounce of lime juice, one and a half ounces of Pusser’s Rum, two teaspoons of sugar and one ounce of water over the ice. Use a long spoon and stir the beverage several times to ensure that the sugar is completely dissolved into the cocktail. This drink is  a bit strong, but just the way that the sailors enjoyed it.

Planter’s Punch

The Planter’s Punch is a cocktail that actually dates back to the early 1900s and is so strong that when it is made in the present, it is typically dulled down a bit to give less of a kick. To make a planter’s punch, combine one and a half ounces of Pusser’s Rum, a quarter of an ounce of grenadine and two ounces of pineapple juice. In the modern version of this cocktail, people enjoy it with an added two ounces of club soda. Enjoy over ice.

Ginger Sea Dog

The Ginger Sea Dog cocktail is enjoyed best in a mule mug and is another type of island mixture. After filling the mule full of ice, pour two ounces of Pusser’s Rum and six ounces of Ginger Beer over the ice.

Then take a lemon and lime wedge and squeeze the juice over the mule mug and put the fruit into the mixture. Take a long spoon and quickly stir together.

Pusser Rum Substitutes

Although Pusser’s Rum is a signature brand, sometimes it can be difficult to find at a local liquor store depending on location. There are some solid substitutes for Pusser’s Rum that will still allow for a great cocktail. 

Myer’s Rum

Another well known brand of rum, Myer’s Rum is a close substitute for Pusser’s Rum and can be found at nearly every store that sells liquor. Like Pusser’s Rum, Myer’s Rum has that island flavor as it was created in Jamaica.

Myer’s does have a hint of spices, but not the same amount of “kick” that the Pusser’s Rum contains, but more of a coconut taste when it hits the tongue. Myer’s rum can be found for under $20 per bottle in most grocery and liquor stores.

Cruzan Aged Dark Rum

Similar to Pusser’s Rum, Cruzan Dark Rum also ages for over two years in barrels and originated in the islands, created in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Cruzan Aged Dark Rum has a milder flavor than Pusser’s so it is a great option for those who are looking for a rum that isn’t very bold. The Cruzan Aged Dark Rum can also be found for under $20 a bottle which is a bit cheaper than the Pusser’s Rum.

Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum

When it comes to choosing a brand of rum and looking for alternatives, Captain Morgan is usually always a good idea. The Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum is also aged in the U.S. Virgin Islands and aged in oak barrels.

It has bold flavors yet still smooth and enjoyable. The price of the Captain Morgan Black Spiced Rum averages under $20 per bottle and can typically be easily found in your local liquor or grocery store where other liquors are sold.

Hamilton Overproof Rum 151

Hamilton Overproof Rum 151 is a great choice for any tropical drink, especially if you are looking for a brand of rum with a sufficiently higher alcohol content. Although it is a bit stronger, it truly compliments  a tropical cocktail just as much as Pusser’s Rum does.

An advantage for the Hamilton Overproof Rum 151 is that it is considered a great option for a Mai Tai, whereas the Pusser’s Rum, isn’t necessarily recommended for that cocktail.  The Hamilton Overproof Rum 151 is a bit pricier than the other options and is typically sold for over 430 per bottle.

Plantation Original Dark Rum

While not exactly the same type of ingredients as the Pusser’s Rum, the Plantation Original Dark Rum is a close substitute. In comparison, Plantation has Caribbean roots as well, having been made with rum directly from Barbados and Jamaica.

But, the aging process takes place in barrels in France. If you are looking for a sweeter dark rum than the Pusser’s, then the Plantation Original Dark Rum and its strong vanilla taste might be what you are looking for. The Plantation Original Dark Rum is also found in the same price range as the majority of the other substitutes, ranging from $20-$25 per bottle.

Goslings Black Seal Rum

Hailing from the Caribbean, as with most rum, the Goslings Black Seal Rum also spends time aging in Bermuda. The Goslings Black Seal rum has a blend of vanilla, butterscotch and caramel, leaving for a sweet, yet delicious taste. Goslings would be a great option for any dessert rum beverage you may plan on creating, seeing as it is sweet enough on its own to do so.

Navy Bay Rum

Unlike the other listed brands that would make for optional substitutes, Navy Bay Rum, isn’t the most widely known name. At under $20 per bottle, Navy Bay Rum is the most affordable Rum on the list; it also has its own unique flavor.

Not the spiciest rum yet, not the sweetest rum, and will give a delicious cinnamon taste unlike many other dark rum options. The bold flavors make it a good option if you choose to drink solely on the rocks and not as part of a cocktail.

Capitan Bucanero Rum Reserva

A fruity and sweet take on a dark rum, the Capitan Bucanero Rum Reserva is aged anywhere from one to five years depending on how the blend of rums used in the making process take to achieve their bold flavors.

The Capitan Bucanero Rum Reserva is sold for under $20 per bottle and gives the flavors of vanilla, coconut and fruit which will transport you to the Dominican Republic where the Capitan Bucanero Rum Reserva is made. 

Koloa Kaua’i Dark Rum

The Koloa Kaua’i Dark Rum is an American made liquor, bringing the sense of the Aloha spirit in every sip. Blended and aged in Hawaii, the Koloa Kaua’i Dark Rum is a blend that will give the sweet flavor right away with the caramel, vanilla and molasses sweetness.

But the addition of other “spicier” flavors gives quite the kick in the after taste. The unique blend of rum is one of the more expensive brands and is sold for nearly $40 a bottle.

Ron Alegro Anejo

Another brand of rum from the Dominican Republic isthe Ron Alegro Anejo dark rum. This dark rum isn’t the strongest mentioned substitute but instead brings the caribbean flavors to life throughout the blend.

If you are looking for a brand of rum that is sweet rather than spicy, this is the rum for you. The caramel and vanilla flavors are so bold that they make for a delicious cocktail, no matter which kind you decide to try. The Ron Alegro Anejo dark rum is typically sold for about $25 per bottle on average.

Conclusion

There is much more to the story of Pusser’s Rum than just being the main ingredient to the Painkiller cocktail. The extensive aging process that takes place to make even just one barrel of Pusser’s Rum is what allows it to be one of the most popular brands of rum on the market as well as one of the best quality rums on the market. 

Whether you decide to try the Pusser’s Rum dark rum and need a new recipe to try out before the summer. Or, maybe it’s that you are looking for another brand of dark rum to try and expand your palette when it comes to this type of liquor. There is truly a dark rum for all taste buds and occasions and will impress your guests with your mixology skills.

Originally posted 2022-05-11 16:09:26.